A Game of Death

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Well, what is it Captain?

I'm sorry to disturb you Mr. Whitney,

but, I'd like to pull about

and take the other course.

We've been all over that once.

You said yourself,

the other course would

take two days longer.

Well that's true Sir, but

I'm worried about the crew.

What's the matter with them?

They're jumpy and upset.

These are dangerous waters Sir,

and we've just sighted Benguerra Island.

Benguerra Island?

In the native language,

that word means man trap.

I smell a story, Captain, tell me more.

Well, it was deserted by pirates,

a hundred years or so, ago.

No one has lived there since.

But somehow the place has

crept into sailor's legends.

They say there's a curse on it.

This is all very interesting Captain, but

I have to be in New York by the 13th.

Unless you can give me some more tangible

reason, proceed on your present course.

Very good, Sir.

I'd like to hear the rest

of that story, Captain.

Some other time, Mr. Rainsford. I'd

better get back to the bridge.

How'd you like the stuff Wadethrope?

It's great Donald. I'm sure it's

going to be another best seller.

For a great hunter, you're

a pretty good writer.

By the way Rainsford, have you seen this?

Hmm, that's good.

My knees were sure shaking

when I grabbed that one.

That's a great shot Collins.

Perhaps you'll use it for the jacket.

Seriously Rainsford, how do you

keep it up year after year?

Hunting all over the world,

don't you ever get tired of it?

With all the money he makes?

It does pay well, but it

isn't the money really.

What then?

Well, I don't know. Love

of the game I guess.

Adventure, color, excitement.

Never knowing what you'll

meet around the next corner.

To me, it's the greatest

sport in the world.

Sport for the hunter, I imagine.

Not for the hunted.

Take this jaguar for instance.

Look at the expression

on that face.

What do you suppose his feeling are?

Look Collins, there are

two kinds of creatures

in the world. The

hunters, and the hunted.

I happen to be a hunter.

Frankly, I'm not concerned

with that fellow's feelings.

As a matter of fact, he's probably

enjoying himself just as much as I am.

After all he has a sporting

chance of getting me.

Well, I still wouldn't

want to be in your shoes.

You'll take one chance too many

one day, then you'll get it.

Please, I've made flowers.

Hello?

Hello, bridge?

Why are you slowing down.

I'll come below shortly

and explain, Sir.

Leads man in the chains.

The channel's here on

this chart alright, Sir.

And so are those marker lights.

I don't see anything wrong

with those lights, Sir.

I do. Look here.

Those buoys are out of

position according to this.

Watermark, 3.

3 fathoms, and we should have 6.

We're too close in shore.

You're right, Sir.

What could have moved those lights?

What is it now?

You wanted a more tangible reason for

taking the other course, Mr. Whitney.

Well?

The channel lights are in the wrong

positions according to the chart.

Charts are seldom kept up to

date in this part of the world.

Well that's true Sir, but

this is no ordinary channel.

It cuts between coral reefs that

could slice this hull like a razor.

- But I...

- Wait a moment, Whitney.

There's something else, Captain.

Yes, Mr. Rainsford.

Sharks are following this vessel.

Big ones. Man-eaters.

That's another reason

the men are on edge.

They say it's a bad sign.

And I don't like it either.

Let the captain have his way Whit.

These deep water men have a sixth sense,

which warns them of approaching danger.

Now I've seen everything.

Don Rainsford, the man who's

not afraid to face any

living animal, jittery

over an old sea legend.

I'll face anything I can

see over a gun sight.

But what I don't understand,

I'd rather avoid.

Alright, If you feel that way about it.

Take the other course Captain.

Yes, Sir.

Come on fellas, let's forget

about it and have another drink.

Steward?

Alright, Sir.

I don't mind admitting, I'll be glad

when we get clear of Beguerra island.

Hello? Hello?

Anyone in the boiler room.

Hello, engine room?

If water ever hits those hot boilers...

Hello, engine room.

Rainsford, help!

The shark got my foot.

I can't swim.

Hello, anyone there?

Hello?

Say, is there anybody

around here?

Hello!

Oh, is this your house?

I'm not trying to break in.

I just followed the

sound of the dogs.

My yacht just went down with all hands.

I think I'm the only one

that managed to get ashore.

Well, why don't you say something?

Or can't you speak English?

No, he can not.

Carib does not speak any language.

He has no voice.

He hears, but he cannot talk.

Good evening.

Good evening. Are you the

owner of this place?

Yes. My name is

Kreiger, Erich Kreiger.

I'm glad to meet you.

Very glad.

I was trying to make him understand

that there's been a shipwreck.

A wreck, how unfortunate.

Surely you are not

the only survivor.

I believe I am.

Carib, go search the shore,

see if there are any others.

Let me offer you a drink.

I guess I'm in luck.

Yes.

The captain told us this

island was uninhabited.

There's usually only

myself and my servants.

Oh, thanks.

I certainly needed that.

How do you communicate with the mainland?

I don't... at least not often.

I'm a simple man, my wants are few.

I find my inspirations, even

my pleasures, in solitude.

But I'll see what can be done, Mr.?

Rainsford, Don Rainsford.

Rainsford?

Not the famous author and hunter?

I don't know about the famous part of it.

What luck!

Rainsford.

I too am a hunter.

I've wanted to meet

you for a long time.

My safari just missed yours

a few years ago in Africa.

And again in Tibet.

To think I would meet

you here on my island.

You see, your books are my bibles.

I've read everything you've ever written.

And only in these have I found a

knowledge that equals my own.

I'm flattered.

There is one ruling passion

in my life, Rainsford.

And that is the hunt.

And now, how very,

very fortunate I am.

Pleshke.

Pleshke, show Mr.

Rainsford to a guestroom.

You must get out of these clothes at once.

They look just about the way I feel.

Pleshke will find you others. We

have some for such emergencies.

Oh, my guests and I were about to dine

when you arrived. We'll wait for you.

Guests?

There are survivors of another

wreck still in the house.

They too are guests.

Another wreck?

Unfortunately, yes.

These are dangerous waters.

But we won't discuss it now.

Well I don't want to delay your dinner.

It will take me some time

to get myself ready and...

and anyway, I...

What is it Rainsford?

I was thinking of my friends.

An hour ago they were alive.

It seems incredible.

Death is always incredible.

Always for others.

Never for ourselves.

Straight ahead Rainsford.

Just follow Pleshke.

Just one moment, Mr. Rainsford.

Is there anything wrong, Mr. Rainsford?

No, nothing.

Your clothes Sir.

Thanks.

Tell me, why the

bars on the windows?

This was once an old castle.

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